![CDATA[The Mercedes-Benz W 111 was a chassis code given to its top-of-the-range vehicles, including four-door saloons produced from 1959 to 1968, and two-door coupés and cabriolets built from 1961 to 1971. The W 111 title was initially attributed to six-cylinder cars with 2.2 litre engines. Production of the four-door saloon began in August 1959 and was premiered at the Frankfurt Auto Show in the autumn. Initially the series consisted of three models; the 220 b, 220 Sb, and the 220 SEb, replacing the popular 'Ponton' saloon respectively. The 230 S was visually identical to the 220 S, with an updated 2306cc M180 engine with twin Zenith carburettors producing 120 horsepower. In this final configuration, a total of 41,107 cars were built through January 1968, when the last of the four-door 'Fintails' left the production line.
According to the Mercedes-Benz Club (UK) Certificate of Origin, this righthand drive Fintail was manufactured on 24th November 1966 and assembled in South Africa during 1967. In 2016, the Fintail was repatriated back into Germany and later imported into the UK in 2017. Today, this 230 S looks very smart in its grey coachwork and contrasting red trim. The panel work is very straight and the brightwork is in good order throughout. The interior boasts its large comfortable seats that are fitted with a centre armrest, front and rear. On a recent test, the Mercedes-Benz started and drove easily via the automatic gearbox. The driver is sat behind the stylish steering wheel and kept informed by the tall rectangular instrument panel. A file accompanies the car and includes a UK V5C registration document, a copy of the 1966 Daimler-Benz AG dispatch note, copies of the Republic of South Africa registration document and police export clearance and an MoT test certificate valid until August 2018. These large Germanic motor cars, although not the fastest, certainly provide style with comfort.
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